Jon Shaw has been preparing for life in the dugout in recent years – and now he is ready to embrace the challenge he is facing in his first managerial role with National League North club Blyth Spartans.
It was a hectic Christmas for Non-League managers in the North East after a rather unseasonal-like cull with sackings and departures taking place at all but one of the region’s six clubs in the National League and National League North.
Hometown hero Bivesh Gurung’s head is still in a spin over the thunderbolt that fired Maidstone United into the FA Cup third round – but he hasn’t forgotten those who helped him.
Scarborough Athletic must take confidence from their first FA Cup tie with Forest Green Rovers – and seize the opportunity of their unexpected reprieve.